ENGLISH: Friday night Magda and Alexander arrived in the city and we started their vacation with an amazing day in Brooklyn yesterday. Me and Magda bought hats and a bike at Brooklyn Flea, we sipped frozen margaritas at Café Habanas Brooklyn filial Habana Outpost (757 Fulton Street at South Portland Ave. ), we drank Brooklyn Lager out of brown bags on our walk up Myrtle Avenue, where we fell upon the mini festival Hillstock which made us feel like 17 again, until we arrived at Martin and Patrik’s who’d transformed their home in Bushwick to an open studio – a late tip for all art enthusiasts: Bushwick Open Studios are open today to! The night ended at La Superior.

ENGLISH: At Sylvia’s Soul Food (328 Lenox Avenue) the ladies wear hats, the beer is locally produced in Harlem, everything is cooked in real butter (at least that’s what it tastes like). It’s also a favorite of Bill Clinton’s. Anyhow, great place. One day I’m gonna learn how to make corn bread, love it, I think it’s my favorite soul food (sounds a bit meagre, but since I don’t eat fried chicken…). I just hope she’s not being out-rivaled by Swedish chef Marcus Samulsson’s Red Rooster – a favorite of Obama’s – down the street.

ENGLISH: The heat on the top floor without air condition (must install!) in Manhattan right now is beyond unbearable. Best cooler: coconut water. Either you love it or you hate it. More potassium than a banana.

ENGLISH: After being dragged around all our favorite restaurants it was dad and Tina’s turn to suprise us before they left New York almost 14 days ago. They took us to Parigot (155 Grand St), a little place with lace curtains, french menu and friendly service; a homey and familiar atmosphere. The chef Michel Pombet walks around among the guests, making small talk. I had mussels for the third time in my life, and they were the best to date. Everyone else was happy too, when we ended the meal with a french apple tarte and crème brulée.

ENGLISH: Last week I sat down with designer Whitney Port in a studio in Chelsea – such a sweet and down-to-earth girl! (You’ll have to wait for the interview. If you understand Swedish…) Recently she listed her West Village favorites for her friend’s website Paper & String, a great place to find NYC happenings, and with Whitney’s permission and unanimous consent I now post it here (please note the Swedish Acne reference!). Read here to catch her Soho-faves too.

Best coffee:Joe the Art of Coffee (141 Waverly Pl. between 6th Ave and Gay St.) “This is where I get my Joe when I’m on the go — which is always when I’m in NYC! My usual drink of choice is a Soy Cappuccino, but the last time I was here, I dared (just a bit!) and tried Soy English Breakfast Latte. The verdict? Just as delicious, and the best way to kick-start your day.”

Best Smoothie:One Lucky Duck (75 9th Ave, between 15th and 16th Sts.) “The Banana Nut smoothie at this all-vegan stall in the Chelsea Market is something I dream about the minute I get on the plane in Los Angeles. Made with banana, cashew milk, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect mid-day snack, and a healthy one, to boot.”

Best Shopping: Castor and Pollux (238 W. 10th St, between Hudson and Bleecker Sts.) “This fashion-forward boutique is perfect for my Cali-hattan aesthetic. From chunky Acne sweaters to kitschy Bing Bang necklaces, this store is home to some of my favorite brands. One of the coolest things I’ve seen recently? These stackable “Maggie” bracelets, designed by Portland-based designer Kim Dunham. Each is inscribed with “tu es pulchra.” Translation: “You are beautiful,” in Latin. Guys: Any girl will drool over these, I promise.”

Best fresh fish:Extra Virgin (259 W. 4th St, between Perry and Charles Sts.) “Spring has arrived, so fellow New Yorkers, I ask you: What’s better than dining al fresco? That’s right, nothing. Feel the warm breeze as you enjoy the buffala mozzarella and grape tomato salad. Laced with roasted peppers and arugala, too, it’s a divine way to start the meal. But I really come here for the fresh fish. The “Halibut Simply Grilled,” with herbs, tomato carpaccio, and a side of arugala is genius.”

Best dancing: The Jane Hotel (113 Jane St.) “Imagine the best dance party ever (think: Jackson Five, Cee Lo Green, and everything in between) in the comfort of your very large, cozy and very mismatched living room. Add eye popping people watching and yummy cocktails and you have yourself a Saturday night at the Jane Hotel, one of my favorite weekend haunts.”

ENGLISH: Fat Radish (17 Orchard St, between Canal St & Hester St) is a pretty new restaurant on the lower part of Orchard Street. At first glance it looks like a little coffee shop, but well inside it opens up into a light, pleasant room. So nice with a brunch place that radiates serenity, where you can have a conversation without screaming! I had what might be the best pancakes to date, with walnuts, mascapone and rhubarb (welcome summer!). Other nice things on the menu were spaghetti squash with candied bacon and cripsy egg, and avocado toast. The service was incredibly slow, but we weren’t in a hurry. I’m looking forward to try dinner!